CANNABIS ‘GROW HOUSE’ RAIDED
IN BERWYN

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 —An elaborate indoor garden of cannabis plants was among items seized from a west suburban home following a joint investigation by the Cook County Sheriff’s and Berwyn Police Departments.

Officers developed information that illegal narcotics were being manufactured and sold at a home in the 2200 block of South Ridgeland Avenue in Berwyn. While executing a search warrant at the property 355cannabis plants, at different stages of maturity, were found in three rooms, which were set up with lighting and ventilation to cultivate the plants at the various stages of growth

“From the outside, this house appears to be just another family residence on this quiet suburban street,” Sheriff Tom Dart said. “Once inside, the plants, drugs and guns show an entirely different existence.”

The plants, when harvested and sold, have an estimated street value of nearly $290,000 Ten guns, seven kilos of cocaine, 300 grams of heroin, and ecstasy pills, were also seized during the search warrant.

“I am proud of the proactive stance that has been adopted by the newly formed Tactical Force of the City’s police department,” said Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero. “They are truly carrying out the mission of the City Administration in providing a safe community for our residents and businesses.”

Richard Medina, 26, of the 2200 block of South Ridgeland, Berwyn, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, defacing identification markings on a firearm and armed violence.

Sheriff Dart commended the officers of the Sheriff’s Police Narcotics Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Cook County Sheriff’s, Calumet City, Lyons, South Chicago Heights Police Departments, for their hard work on this case.